Browns Released Veteran WR Andrew Hawkins, He’d Like To Play For Contender

The Cleveland Browns announced Monday that they’ve released veteran WR Andrew Hawkins.

• According to Albert Breer, the Browns and Hawkins spoke in recent weeks about his situation and elected to request his release from the team.
• Breer mentions that Hawkins wants to chase a championship and would like to find an opportunity to have a mentor role and play for a contender.

“It’s tough to say goodbye to men like Hawk, that have done everything you’ve asked of them and gone above and beyond when it comes to leadership,” said Head Coach Hue Jackson. “Hawk was a rock for us last season. He kept our locker room together and led by example as he gave everything he had on the field. Our young players are going to be better players and better people because of the time they spent with Andrew Hawkins.”

“I’m so grateful for my time in Cleveland, I will never forget my first tryout as a Brown back in 2008, praying for the opportunity to wear the Orange and Brown on Sundays,” said Hawkins. “Thank you to Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who have been both incredible owners and role models throughout my time here and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity they granted me. Thank you to Sashi Brown and Hue Jackson, who have supported me both on and off the field and will continue to be mentors to me for years to come. Thank you to my incredible teammates for allowing me the opportunity to be one of your captains, it was an honor to battle with you, week in and week out. And lastly, thank you Cleveland Browns fans, you are one of the best fanbases in all of the world, and the support you’ve given my family and I the last three seasons will not soon be forgotten. Your support and your passion is what drives this city and I can’t wait to one day celebrate a Cleveland Browns Championship with all of you. No matter where I play next, I will always be part of the Browns family.”

Hawkins, 30, originally signed on with the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Toledo back in 2011. He was later claimed off of waivers by the Bengals and spent three years in Cincinnati before signing a four-year, $13.6 million contract with the Browns in 2014.

Hawkins was in the final year of his contract and set to make a base salary of $1.8 million for the 2017 season.

According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Hawkins will free up $3.5 million of available cap space while creating $1.8 million in dead money

In 2016, Hawkins appeared in all 16 games for the Browns and caught 33 passes for 324 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 89 receiver out of 115 qualifying players.